Sweeping mechanism



1956 H. c. VERSNICK SWEEPING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 12, 1965 I I INVENTOR.

A/RY C. Vewswcx BY United States Patent 3,234,575 SWEEPING MECHANISM Henry C. Versnick, Madisonville, Ky., assignor to Versnick Manufacturing Company, Inc., Madisonville, Ky., a corporation of Kentucky Filed June 12, 1963, Ser. No. 287,324 13 Claims. (Cl. 15-49) The present invention relates to sweeping mechanisms, and more particularly to a new and novel sweeping mechanism which is importantly adaptable to the cleaning of pits or like areas.

As is known, one of the most troublesome objections in connection with the raising of poultry is the maintaining of the poultry houses in an optimum sanitary condition. The preceding is particularly bothersome in connection with the areas under which the poultry is fed, where prior cleaning approaches generally required time consuming hand labor.

By virtue of the instant invention, the applicant herein has invented a new and novel sweeping mechanism for pits or like areas. More particularly, the instant mechanism is operated in combination with an endless cable which alternately drives the sweeping carriage in opposite directions along the length of the pit. In one operational movement, sweeping is achieved through brush action, which sends the swept matter into a receiving area defined at one end of the pit, while movements in the opposite direction places the mechanism in starting condition for the next sweeping movement.

The instant invention is highly effective in operation, representing considerable savings to the user and, at the same time, promotes a high degree of cleanliness.

Accordingly, the principal objects of the present invention is to provide a new and novel mechanism for sweeping pits or like areas.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel sweeping mechanism for a pit which moves back and forth along the length of the pit, the movement in one direction achieving sweeping action, while movement in the opposite direction returning the mechanism to the starting position.

A further and more general object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel sweeping mechanism which is highly versatile in use, which represents savings to the user, and which, at the same time, achieves a high degree of sanitation to the area being swept.

Other objects and a better understanding of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the sweeping mechanism forming the instant invention, in position in a pit;

FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation of the sweeping mechanism of FIG. 1, generally taken at line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a view in vertical section, partly fragmentary, and taken at line 33 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows, showing details of the stop plate assembly forming part of the instant invention;

FIG. 4 is another view in vertical section, partly fragmentary, and taken at line 44 of FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows, showing still further details of the stop plate assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view in side elevation, taken at line 5-5 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the brush assembly forming part of the instant invention, as same moves in the direction of the arrow, i.e. from left to right in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is another view of the brush assembly of FIG. 5, showing its position during travel in the direction of the arrow, i.e. from right to left in FIG. 1; and,

3,234,575 Patented Feb. 15, 1966 FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of certain of the components defining the applicants new and novel sweeping mechanism.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normal- 1y occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Referring now to the figures, the applicants new and novel sweeping apparatus 10 is shown in conjunction with a pit or other recessed space 11, typically positioned beneath a poultry feeding area. The pit 11 has a deepened end portion 11a through which a conveyor belt 12 is movably mounted, the latter serving to automatically carry away the sweepings, as to a truck or like vehicle, during operation of the instant invention.

In any event, a power take-01f arrangement 14 is centrally disposed with reference to the length of the pit 11, where such power take-off arrangement 14 typically comprises a drive wheel 15 conventionally mounted at one end and above the pit 11, while a driven wheel 16 is mounted at the other end and above the pit 11. An endless cable 17 extends between the drive wheel 15 and the driven wheel 16, where idler pulleys 18 are provided to tension such cable 17 in the usual manner. Fixed rods 20 and 21 are provided at opposite ends of the pit 11, where the cable 17 passes thru a loop 20a and 21a respectively defined at the end of each.

Considering now in more detail the stop plate and brush carriage assemblies forming part of the applicants new and novel sweeping apparatus, a sled-like framework 25 having runners 26 thereon disposed at opposite sides of pit 11 includes pivotally mounted upstanding members 28 and 29, having connecting members 30 therebetween. Rods 31 and 32 extend between opposite sides of the framework 25, being respectively positioned and serving as upper axes for the aforesaid members 28 and 3t) and the aforesaid members 29 and 30. Pairs of brush members 33 and 34 are fixedly bracketed to the rods 31 and 32, respectively.

The brush members 33 and 34 are similarly arranged, where the brush members 33 typically comprise a base 33a having a bristle portion 33b extending therefrom, where brackets 33c thereon encircle the rod 31. Comprable numerical designation of components is shown for the brush members 34.

With reference to FIG. 7, the rods 31 and 32 position sleeves 35 and 36, respectively, thereon, Where hollow members 38 and 39, each defined by portions 38a and 38b, and 39a and 39!), are secured thereto, typically by welding, for example. As should be understood from FIG. 4, a movable partition 42 extends in slots 38c and 3% defined between the portions 38a and 38b, and 39a and 3%, respectively, of the hollow members 38 and 39. The plate 42 is movable on a pin 44 which is secured in a position in bridging relationship between the free ends of a bracket 45, where the latter is fixedly assembled with the hollow members 38 and 39. As should be evident from the figures, the slots 38c and 390 are typically semicircular in cross-section.

An opening 42a is disposed within the principal surface of the plate 42, where a control rod 50 extends thru such opening 42a. As should be evident from FIG. 7, the control rod 50 is defined by several portions, viz., from right to left, a downwardly extending loop portion 50a which encircles the lower pass of the cable 17; a portion 50b which is generally parallel to the main passes of the cable 17; a downwardly angling portion 500, the part thereof which engages the opening 42a in the plate 42; another portion 50d generally parallel to the main passes of the cable 17; and, an upwardly extending loop portion 50e which encircles the upper pass of the cable 17. The mechanism is further completed by members 52 and 54, typically secured, as by Welding, for example, to the sleeves 35 and 36, which respectively limit the movement of the portions 501) and 50d of the control rod 50. Additionally, a lug 17a is provided on the endless cable 17, for purposes which should become apparent from the following discussion.

In use, the drive wheel 15 rotates the endless cable 17, causing the lug 17a thereon to move therewith (for example, in the direction of the arrow of FIG. 1, i.e. from left to right). Assuming that the sweeping mechanism is at the left end of the pit 11 of FIG. 1, the lug 17a moves into the hollow member 38, coming into contact with the movable plate 42, which is at its upper blocking position, i.e. the position which blocks the path of travel of the lug 17a through such hollow member 38.

The engagement of lug 17a with plate 42 effects positive movement of the sweeping mechanism from the left to the right of the pit 11 of FIG. 1, and by reason of the pivotal relationship between the framework 25, the upstanding members 28 and 29, and the connecting members 30, the brush portions 33b and 34b of the brush members 33 and 34, respectively, on the rods 31 and 32 come into contact with the bottom of the pit 11 to achieve sweeping action. The relationship of the brush members 33 and 34 in this operational movement should be evi dent from FIG. 5.

As the sweeping mechanism moves toward the right of the pit 11 of FIG. 1, the upstanding loop portion 506 of the control rod 50 engages the looped end portion 21a of the fixed rod 21, whereby permitting the plate 42 to fall downwardly into a blocking relationship in the hollow member 39. The moving lug 17a thereupon passes around the driven wheel 16 and into the hollow member 39. When the lug 17a engages the plate 42, the sweeping mechanism begins its movement to the left end of the pit 11 of FIG. 1, and during such movement, the brush members 33 and 34 assume the position shown in FIG. 6.

In this latter regard, the pivotal upstanding members 28 and 29, and the connecting members 30, move from their angled position of FIG. to their right angled position of FIG. 6, with stop members 55 being provided to maintain the latter poistion. In any event, and as should be evident from FIG. 6, during travel to the left end of the pit 11 of FIG. 1, the brush members 33 and 34 are above the bottom surface of the pit 11, whereby no sweeping action is effected.

During movement to the left end of the pit 11, the downwardly extending portion 50a of the control rod 50 comes into contact with the looped end portion 20a of the fixed rod 20, whereupon the removable plate 42 is caused to slide upwardly on the angling portion 500 of the control rod 50. The preceding result in a blocking of the hollow member 38 by the plate 42, so that when the lug 17a on the cable 17 comes into contact with plate 42, the sweeping mechanism moves from the left end of the pit 11 of FIG. 1 to the right end thereof, in the manner discussed hereabove.

It should be evident at this time that a complete operational cycle has been achieved, i.e. the desired sweep ing action, and the return of the mechanism to starting position for repeating such sweeping action. Although not fully discussed, the members 52 and 54, in limiting upward and downward movement of the control rod 50, respectively assure proper engagement between the downwardly extending portion 50a and the upwardly extending portion Stle of the control rod 50 and the looped portions 20a and 21a of the fixed rods 20' and 21.

As mentioned hereabove, the deepened end portion 11a 'of the pit 11 typically receives a conveyor so that as sweepings are dropped thereon, ready removal is conveniently effected.

From the preceding, it should be apparent that the applicant has invented a new and novel sweeping mechanism for pits or like areas which readily and positively achieves sweeping action in a manner not known or in use heretofore. The instant mechanism is defined by cooperative components which are easily manufactured, assembled, and installed for use. The sweeping mechanism discussed herein is, of course, susceptible to various changes within the spirit of the invention. For example, dimensioning may be varied, as desired, and/ or the number of brush members increased or decreased. Thus, the preceding description should be considered illustrative and not as limiting the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A sweeping mechanism comprising, in combination, endless uni-directional driving means, a framework movable by said endless uni-directional driving means, sweeping members pivotably mounted on said framework, and a movable plate selectively engaging said endless unidirectional driving means for moving said framework, said plate movable in a plane transverse to the path of travel of said endless uni-directional driving means.

2. The sweeping mechanism of claim 1 where said sweeping members pivot with the movement of said framework.

3. A sweeping mechanism comprising, in combination, endless uni-directional driving means, stop means disposed in the area being swept, a framework, brush members mounted on said framework, and a control mechanism selectively engaging said endless uni-directional driving means for moving said sweeping mechanism, said control mechanism having sensor members at opposite ends thereof for selectively engaging said stop means to change the direction of movement of said sweeping mechanism.

4. A sweeping mechanism comprising, in combination, endless uni-directional driving means, a framework, brush members mounted on said framework, and a control mechanism selectively engaging said uni-directional endless driving means for moving said sweeping mechanism, said control mechanism having a control member with sensor portions at opposite ends thereof, and a plate movable by said control member to permit said selective engagement with said endless uni-directional driving means.

5. The sweeping mechanism of claim 4 where the selective engagement of said sensor portions of said control member with stop means disposed in the area being swept moves said plate.

6. A sweeping mechanism comprising, in combination, a drive means, a stop means disposed in the area being swept, a framework, brush members pivotably mounted on said framework and movable from a sweeping position to a non-sweeping position, a direction control arrangement for said sweeping mechanism having a control member and a movable plate, said plate moving from a first position to a second position in response to the contact of said control member with said stop means, and said plate engaging said drive means at said first position to drive said sweeping mechanism in a first direction and engaging said drive means at said second position to drive said sweeping mechanism in an opposite direction.

7. The sweeping mechanism of claim 6 where said brush members are in a sweeping position during movement of said sweeping mechanism in said first direction and in a non-sweeping position during movement of said sweeping mechanism in said second direction.

8. A sweeping mechanism comprising, in combination, drive means and stop means disposed in the area being swept, a movable framework, brush members pivotably mounted on said framework and movable from a sweeping position to a non-sweeping position, a direction control arrangement for said sweeping mechanism having a control member and a plate, said plate being movable from a first position to a second position in response to movement of said control member into selective engagement with said stop means, said movement of said plate to said first position intercepting movement of said drive means and effecting movement of said sweeping mechanism in a first direction, and said movement of said plate to said second position also intercepting said drive means but effecting movement of said sweeping mechanism in a direction opposite to said first direction.

9. The sweeping mechanism of claim 8 where said drive means is a lug on an endless cable, and where said endless cable passes through hollow members each having a slotted portion through which said plate selectively travels.

10. The sweeping mechanism of claim 8 Where said brush members are in said sweeping position during movement of said sweeping mechanism in one direction and in said non-sweeping position during movement of said sweeping mechanism in the opposite direction.

11. The sweeping mechanism of claim 10 Where a stop member disposed on said framework retains said brush members in said non-sweeping position.

12. A sweeping mechanism comprising, in combination, drive means, stop means between which said sweeping mechanism travels, a movable framework, brush members pivotably mounted on said framework and movable from a sweeping position to a non-sweeping position, a direction control arrangement for said sweeping mechanism having a control member and a movable plate, said control member slidably extending through said plate, said plate being movable by said control member from a first position to a second position in response to movement of said control member into selective engagement with said stop means, said drive means engaging said plate at said first position to move said swaging mechanism in a first direction, and said drive means engaging said plate at said second position to move said sweeping mechanism in a second direction.

13. The sweeping mechanism of claim 12 where separate members disposed on said framework limit the movement of said control member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,694,937 12/1928 Floeter 15-50 1,908,788 5/1933 Pulliam 15-51 X 2,416,469 2/1947 Cordis 198-224 2,552,743 5/1951 Simpson 198-224 2,639,803 5/1953 Tonagel et al 198-224 2,964,126 12/1960 Peterson 198-224 X 3,083,390 4/1963 Wroten 15-103.5

FOREIGN PATENTS 678,555 l/l930 France.

CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner. 

1. A SWEEPING MECHANISM COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, ENDLESS UNI-DIRECTIONAL DRIVING MEANS, A FRAMEWORK MOVABLE BY SAID ENDLESS UNI-DIRECTIONAL DRIVING MEANS, SWEEPING MEMBERS PIVOTABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAMEWORK, AND A MOVABLE PLATE SELECTIVELY ENGAGING SAID ENDLESS UNIDIRECTIONAL DRIVING MEANS FOR MOVING SAID FRAMEWORK, SAID PLATE MOVABLE IN A PLANE TRANSVERSE TO THE PATH OF TRAVEL OF SAID ENDLESS UNI-DIRECTIONAL DRIVING MEANS. 